Chapter 14: Dirty Sexy Cuffed: Chapter 14

Levi was a man in love. That was something he’d never believed he’d ever have, but one single woman made it all possible. Sarah Robins. She’d changed his life, and as he glanced at her as she sat beside him while they watched Mason and Katrina get married in Clay and Samantha’s backyard, he knew he’d changed her life, too. Somehow, two broken, damaged people with screwed-up pasts had found one another and had managed to make each other whole.

Sarah was watching the ceremony with big, wide eyes, listening as vows were spoken and rings were exchanged. She was stunningly beautiful in a peach lace dress that skimmed the curves gradually filling out her body, thanks to the meals he cooked, and her blonde hair was a bit shorter now, but silky and shiny.

But most of all, she looked relaxed, happy, and content. She was no longer the timid woman he’d originally met at the convenience store. She was more vibrant, more confident, and he loved seeing those changes in her because it only made their relationship stronger, on every level.

He’d gotten a clean bill of health and was back to work patrolling the streets of Chicago. Since he still worked swing shift—something he was trying to change to spend more time with Sarah—she insisted on waitressing at Kincaid’s to help with any expenses even though he’d told her it wasn’t necessary. But at least he knew she was in a safe and protected environment, and she truly enjoyed being around her new friends and family.

But what Levi was proudest of was the fact that she’d decided to go back to school to pursue her nursing degree, which was something she’d wanted to do for a long time. Now, she could, with his full support.

Everything between the two of them seemed to be falling into place nicely, but as he watched Mason smile at his new bride with the biggest, dorkiest, happiest grin on his face when he was announced as her husband, Levi knew that there was still one more thing he wanted in his life. He hated to be selfish when he had so much to be thankful for, but he wanted Sarah as his wife, not just his girlfriend. He needed to give her that promise of forever and reassure her that they were in this for the long haul together. He planned to make it happen, but he was just a little nervous about whether or not was ready to take that next step in their relationship.

He’d find out soon enough.

The ceremony ended, and Mason and Katrina walked out into the small gathering of people who’d been invited to help celebrate their nuptials. The day’s celebration was an intimate but informal affair, with just family and close friends present—seventeen people in all. Mason had worn a white dress shirt with a purple-hued tie to match the tips of Katrina’s blonde hair, and a pair of dark trousers. The bride had opted for a knee-length, strapless white dress that showed off the colorful butterflies covering her arm. Katrina couldn’t look more beautiful and happy, and Mason, well, that cocky expression on his face said it all.

Everyone gathered around the bride and groom as Mason poured champagne into each of their glasses for a toast, bypassing Levi, who was holding a glass of water for obvious reasons. When Mason reached Samantha, she already had a glass of water in her hand, as well.

Mason frowned at her. “Seriously, Samantha? Are you becoming a teetotaler like Levi? It’s my wedding and the champagne is freakin’ expensive, so have a drink.”

Samantha glanced at Clay, then back at Mason with an impish smile. “I really can’t. It’s not good for the baby.”

Mason gave her an odd look of confusion. “The baby . . .” Then it dawned on him and his eyes grew wide in shock. “

, you’re having a baby!”

“We are,” Clay confirmed proudly.

“Oh, my God!” Katrina squealed happily, clearly not caring that the attention was suddenly on someone else. “This is the best news ! Mason is going to be an uncle, and I’m going to be an aunt!”

“Congratulations,” Sarah said as she gave Samantha a warm hug.

Levi shook his brother’s hand, then leaned over and kissed his sister-in-law on the cheek. “I’m so happy for both of you.”

“Thanks, man.” Clay met Levi’s gaze, and for a moment, they shared a look that commiserated on how far they’d all come, how much they’d all changed, all because of the right woman in their life. “It just feels right, you know?”

“Yeah, I know,” Levi agreed, because he felt the same way about Sarah.

A toast was made to the newlyweds, then again to Clay and Samantha for their baby news. The atmosphere was festive, and even though there was only a small group of guests attending the wedding, Mason had gone all out with a high-end buffet of food and even a DJ for music. The celebration and happiness was infectious, and later in the evening, when a slow song was playing, Levi escorted Sarah out onto the dance floor and pulled her into his arms.

Like always, she came willingly, cuddling against his chest in the sweetest way possible. She laid her cheek on his chest and tucked her head beneath his chin, her entire body relaxing completely against his as they swayed to the music.

“Are you having a good time?” he murmured into her ear.

She lifted her head and smiled up at him, her face wreathed with joy. “I’m having a great time. I love your family.”

His heart seemed to expand inside his chest. “They love you, too. But not as much as I do, obviously.”

Her eyes twinkled playfully. “Yeah, and how much is that?”

“I love you forever.” And he was about to prove it.

They were at his brother’s dinner reception, surrounded by loved ones, but for right now, Levi kept everything as private as possible, just between the two of them. Letting Sarah go, he moved back a step and withdrew the small black box he’d put into his pants pocket earlier. As soon as she saw it, she gasped and her hand flew to her mouth in shock. He merely smiled and popped open the lid to reveal a sparkling engagement ring he’d had designed just for her. In that magical moment, every anxiety faded, and certainty settled over him.

“Sarah Robins, will you marry me? You make me whole and complete and—”

“Yes!” she said, interrupting him. “I want nothing more than to marry you!”

He pushed the ring on her finger, and it was a perfect fit. Just like she was. Pulling her back into his arms, he kissed her, then whispered in her ear.

“You know what this means, don’t you?” When she gave him a questioning look, he grinned down at her and said, “You’re going to be cuffed to me for life.”

She laughed and hugged him tight. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”